Passion, Drive, Respect Motivate Sorensen to Honor America's Fallen Heroes
Traditions are important.
Every Memorial Day Weekend, my family travels to the Freedom Rock to pay tribute to America’s military men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
The Putze family visiting the Freedom Rock 2019.
Located adjacent Hwy. 25 in Adair County (just a mile or so south of I-80 and a 30-minute drive from Des Moines), The Freedom Rock is a 60-plus-ton boulder painted by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen. Inspired by the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” Sorenson began painting the rock in 1999 in honor to fallen soldiers. Each year, the monument features a new work of art.
From The Freedom Rock came the Iowa Freedom Rock Tour. For several years, Bubba has traveled the state painting murals across Iowa. The goal: for a Freedom Rock to be displayed in all of Iowa’s 99 counties (he’s completed 87 and will start work on another May 26). As the Iowa Freedom Rock Tour begins to wind down, Sorenson is embarking on a 50 State Freedom Rock Tour, booking works of art honoring veterans in states throughout the nation.
The works of art depicted on Freedom Rocks are inspiring. So, too, is their creator. I connected with Bubba as he completed this year’s tribute about his passion for honoring America’s fallen heroes…
What drives you to create these incredible works of art? My desire to let veterans past, present and future know how much I value the free country in which I live. Second, to show my appreciation to them for putting their lives on the line to protect us. And my wife Maria and I want to be a good example and an inspiration for our children by honoring heroes who have served our country.
Sorensen’s work is incredibly detailed (2019 Freedom Rock).
What’s the greatest compliment someone has given you? A veteran arrived at the original Freedom Rock, circled around it for a while and then started a conversation. He said he appreciated what I do and then sat down and gazed at the rock. Some time later, he renewed the conversation, telling me that he had thought multiple times about taking his life. He reflected on those low points in his life but, as he looked at the rock, felt for the first time appreciated for serving our country. As he got ready to leave, he said, ‘In a way, you saved my life and I want to thank you for that.’ I don’t know of a testimonial more powerful than that.
What does Memorial Day mean to you? It’s about veterans who have given their life for their country. While I celebrate all veterans in my projects, I want the Freedom Rock to really tell this story. That’s why my goal each year is to finish the artwork by Memorial Day. Those who have given their lives are especially important to me.
Why the Freedom Rock? Prior to 9-11, I noticed a lot of people treating Memorial Day like just another three-day vacation. While it’s great to do barbecues and beaches, it’s important to be mindful that the day is about celebrating the memory of the men and women who gave their lives for their country.
“I want my work to pay the highest respect to those who have made the highest sacrifice.” — Ray “Bubba” Sorensen.
If the Freedom Rock could speak, what would it to say? That someone gave their tomorrows for your today.
What is your message this year? It recognizes the front lines of yesterday and today. This year’s message is a ‘thank you’ to nurses and doctors and all who are on the front lines of the current pandemic. They are heroes, too.
What’s your advice to people who have dreams? Doubt is the devil. You must ignore the doubters and the haters because they are out there. You must believe in yourself and your ideas and have thick skin and determination. If you give up at the first sign of criticism or doubt, you’ll never succeed. Don’t give up. Believe in you. If it’s God, a guiding light or indigestion that pushes you forward, don’t ignore it. Just keep moving ahead.
The artist at work — Ray “Bubba” Sorensen.. (Photo by Joseph L. Murphy)
What’s at the heart of being an artist? Art is very tough to stick with because it’s so personal. Doesn’t matter what it is... could be artwork, music, performing, writing. Regardless, you’re putting your work out there for everyone to judge. If someone does so harshly, it hurts. Artists must have thick skin and be confident about what they do.
Where do you get your ideas for what to paint? I’m always thinking and ideas are constantly bouncing around. I want to paint things that veterans would enjoy seeing. Some ideas I place in a folder so I remember them. I may think of something in 2006 but not paint it until 2016. I pay attention to anniversaries or special events that I want to remind people about. But more than anything, I want to tell a story that veterans will appreciate. The Freedom Rock is my gift to veterans; they’re my inspiration.
The Freedom Rock Winterset, Iowa (Madison County).